Staffing a challenge, though local workforce remains strong

Finding and retaining quality employees has always been the key to success in business, but perhaps never more so than in 2021.
It’s a huge challenge, local business owners and managers as well as public officials agree, as there simply aren’t enough workers to fill available jobs, especially in a thriving place like Aurora and Hamilton County. The News-Register staff therefore turned the spotlight toward a most deserving subject this year with our annual workforce recognition edition -- the staffing challenge. 
Nebraska is recognized for having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at 2.2 percent, which is positive news when compared to the alternative of soaring jobless rates. Here in Hamilton County, however, that number is actually 1.1 percent, with only 52 people out of a workforce of 4,685 listed as unemployed, according to recent statistics posted by the Nebraska Department of Labor.
It’s a significant issue, which we heard loudly and clearly in interviews with representatives from various employment sectors. The impact at the local level is stressing existing staff, limiting growth opportunities and in some cases making it hard to consistently get the job done the way customers, employees and owners want and expect.
We can’t sugarcoat the harsh reality of our times, but at the same time we heard so many positives when talking about the local workforce. Folks around here want and expect to earn their paychecks, and they bring a tremendous work ethic to the job they do. That makes a huge difference when times get tough, as does having the mentality and flexibility to recognize what needs to be done, then stepping up and doing it, whether or not the task falls under your job description.
There is reason for optimism here in Hamilton County. Not only is the work ethic strong here, but wheels are in motion to provide all the things necessary to invite people to make this their home. Investments in housing, with the pending 60-lot housing subdivision topping that list, child care and recreation make this an attractive place to young adults. Add in a focused economic development effort, outstanding internet service needed for remote workers, quality schools, health care and a vibrant sense of community and there is reason to believe that our population will grow in the next few years. 
Bottom line, in the race for recruiting residents/employees, Hamilton County has a competitive edge.
The hard-working men and women who turn the soil, manage the store, teach our children, fix our computers and in various ways keep the economic engine of Hamilton County humming along are indeed the backbone of our community. It’s fitting and oh so important to tip the hat once in a while to the local workforce, which we’re proud to do with this week’s special edition.
-- Kurt Johnson